Calphalon 7 Qt. Digital Slow Cooker

This handsome digital slow cooker from Calphalon prepares food beautifully and has state-of-the-art features to boot. Think rubberized grips on handles to protect your fingers from the heat, an easy-to-use electronic control panel, a dishwasher-safe ceramic insert and lid, and cord storage underneath the base. If that wasn't enough to make it our recommended large-capacity cooker, it maintains a perfect simmer on low so you can get a tender pot roast every time. (In fact, it was the only slow cooker to do so in our test.) A unique "Auto" setting cooks meals for two hours on high, then automatically switches to low, and the unit will revert to "Keep Warm" once cooking is done. If you plan to store your slow cooker between uses, though, keep in mind that this appliance weighs in at a whopping 15.5 pounds. calphalon.com.

Capacity: 7 quarts

Manufacturer's Warranty: One year

Reviewed: October 2011

Price When Reviewed: $149.95

Pros

Makes an excellent beef stew and maintains an ideal simmer when cooking a roast